Underwater communication using sensing fusion

The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to underwater communication using sensing fusion.

Wearable electronic devices (e.g., watches, trackers, etc.) typically are not designed for communication in underwater environments. For example, typical wearable electronic devices either cannot produce sound underwater or are limited in their production of sound underwater. Some wearable electronic devices also cannot communicate at all while underwater.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for underwater communication that addresses the above deficiencies or at least offers an alternative to current systems and devices. For example, a need exists for an electronic device adapted to produce sound underwater, such as frequencies suited for underwater communication between devices.

Various examples of the present disclosure include an electronic device. The electronic device can include a housing defining an internal volume. The electronic device can include a speaker sealed to the housing and configured to resonate a frequency underwater. The speaker can include a diaphragm. The speaker can include a seal preventing water ingress to the internal volume. The electronic device can include a pressure compensator associated with the speaker to compensate for hydrostatic pressure acting on the diaphragm.

In one example, the pressure compensator can include active compensation coupled to the diaphragm to resist water pressure applied to the diaphragm. The active compensation can include an electromagnet configured to provide a force resisting the water pressure. In one example, the pressure compensator can include a water permeable membrane allowing water to flow across the diaphragm to equalize pressure across opposing sides of the diaphragm. The seal can prevent water ingress from a wet side of the diaphragm to the internal volume. In one example, the electronic device can include a deformable member and a transducer coupled to the deformable member to selectively vibrate the deformable member to generate noise. The deformable member can be a display of the electronic device. In one example, the speaker can be configured to generate sonar frequencies to locate objects near the electronic device. In one example, the speaker can be configured to detect radiofrequency or sonar signals emitted from another electronic device underwater. In one example, the speaker can be a first speaker, and the electronic device can include a second speaker configured to propagate sound through air.

Various examples of the present disclosure include a speaker transducer for a wearable electronic device. The speaker transducer can include a diaphragm configured to resonate at one or more frequencies underwater. The speaker transducer can include multiple seals configured to prevent water ingress to a device interior of the wearable electronic device.

In one example, the speaker transducer can include a chassis. The multiple seals can include a first seal configured to seal the chassis to a housing of the wearable electronic device, and a second seal configured to prevent water ingress from a wet side of the diaphragm. In one example, the multiple seals can include a first seal and a second seal. The diaphragm can include the first seal. The second seal can be configured to seal a chassis of the speaker transducer to a housing of the wearable electronic device. In one example, diaphragm can include a wet side and a dry side. The speaker transducer can include active compensation coupled to the diaphragm to resist water pressure applied to the diaphragm. The active compensation can be positioned on the dry side to push towards the wet side. The active compensation can include an electromagnet. In one example, the diaphragm can include a water permeable membrane allowing water to flow across the diaphragm to equalize pressure across opposing sides of the diaphragm. The water permeable membrane can define a flow rate across the opposing sides of the diaphragm, with the flow rate tailored based on the one or more frequencies.

Various examples of the present disclosure include a speaker system for an electronic device. The speaker system can include a first speaker configured to propagate sound through air, and a second speaker configured to resonate a frequency underwater. The second speaker can include a diaphragm. The second speaker can include a seal preventing water ingress to an interior of the electronic device.

In one example, the first speaker can be configured to produce audible noise on land. The second speaker can be configured to produce audible and sonar frequency noise underwater. In one example, the second speaker can be configured to detect radiofrequency or sonar signals emitted from another electronic device underwater.

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The following disclosure relates to underwater communication using sensing fusion. An underwater speaker can be used for notification alerts, radiofrequency (RF) communication, or sonar communication, among other communication. The sonar application of the speaker can be used to transmit information to other underwater users, to equipment (e.g., a dive tank), to boats (e.g., a dive boat), and/or to locate objects at close range underwater (e.g., a nearby shark, spearfishing prey, etc.). The underwater speaker can also be used to sound alarms or alerts to notify a diver. Specifically tuned speaker transducers can be used to detect sonar signals from other nearby devices or emitters (e.g., to receive info from a dive tank).

The underwater speaker can be optimized for water pressure. By optimizing the transducer design through any of the systems described herein, the underwater speaker can be tuned to produce audible and sonar frequency noise underwater. A speaker system can include multiple speakers optimized for different functionalities. One example includes a primary speaker for land communication (i.e. communication outside the water or through air, to propagate sound through air, etc.), and a secondary speaker tuned for water use (i.e., to resonate a frequency underwater). A transducer (e.g., a piezoelectric transducer) can be coupled to an electronic display or another flat surface that can resonate to create sound effectively underwater.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option).

shows an example of an electronic device. The electronic deviceshown inis a watch, such as a smartwatch. The smartwatch ofis merely one representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. Electronic devicecan correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote control device, or other electronic device. The electronic devicecan be referred to as an electronic device, or a consumer device. In some examples, the electronic devicecan include a housingthat can carry operational components, for example, in an internal volume at least partially defined by the housing. The electronic devicecan also include a strap, or other retaining component that can secured the deviceto a body of a user as desired. Further details of the electronic device are provided below with reference to.

illustrates the electronic device, for example a smartwatch, that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of, the features of the devices described herein, including the electronic deviceshown inbut without the strap. The devicecan include a housing, and a display assemblyattached to the housing. The housingcan substantially define at least a portion of an exterior surface of the device.

The display assemblycan include a glass, a plastic, a ceramic such as sapphire, or any other substantially transparent exterior layer, material, component, or assembly. The display assemblycan include multiple layers, with each layer providing a unique function, as described herein. Accordingly, the display assemblycan be, or can be a part of, an interface component. The display assemblycan define a front exterior surface of the deviceand, as described herein, this exterior surface can be considered an interface surface. In some examples, the interface surface defined by display assemblycan receive inputs, such as touch inputs, from a user.

In some examples, the housingcan be a substantially continuous or unitary component and can define one or more openings to receive components of the electronic device. In some examples, the electronic devicecan include input components such as one or more buttonsand/or a crownthat can be disposed in the openings. In some examples, a material can be disposed between the buttonsand/or crownand the housingto provide an airtight and/or watertight seal at the locations of the openings. The housingcan also define one or more openings or apertures, such as aperturethat can allow for sound to pass into or out of the internal volume defined by the housing. For example, the aperturecan be in communication with a sensor such as a microphone component disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, one or multiple aperturescan be in communication with a speaker component disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, the housingcan define or include a feature, such as an indentation, to removably couple the housingand a strap or retaining component.

shows a bottom perspective view of the electronic device. The devicecan include a back coverthat can be attached to the housing, for example, opposite the display assembly. The back covercan include ceramic, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the back covercan include an at least partially electromagnetically transparent component. The electromagnetically transparent componentcan be transparent to any desired wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, infrared light, radio waves, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the electromagnetically transparent componentcan allow sensors and/or emitters disposed in the housingto communicate with the external environment. Together, the housing, display assemblyand back covercan substantially define an internal volume and an external surface of the device.

In some examples, the electronic devicecan include one or more sensors. The electronic deviceshown inincludes multiple sensors. However, the embodiment illustrated inis merely one representative example, and the electronic devicecan include any number of sensors, including a single sensoror more than two sensors. The sensorscan be configured to detect a surrounding environmental characteristic. For example, one or more sensorscan detect a barometric pressure, an altitude, the presence of water or fluid, or an underwater depth, among other characteristics. In such examples, the one or more sensorscan include a depth sensor, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, or the like.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown incan be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in.

As noted above, portable and wearable electronic devices can be designed to be used in many different environments and during any kind of activity throughout a user's day. For example, wearable electronic watches, headphones, and phones can be carried by a user during exercise, sleep, driving, biking, hiking, swimming, diving, outside in the rain, outside in the sun, and so forth. Wearable electronic devices described herein are configured to withstand the varied and often harsh conditions of various environments, including changing environments and wet environments. Wet environments can include wearing devices in the rain or when submerged during bathing, swimming, diving, or other water sports, for example.

Examples of electronic devices disclosed herein include components, features, arrangements, and configurations that facilitate use under different environments. For example, electronic devices disclosed herein include components, features, arrangements, and configurations that maintain use of the device under water, such as while diving at depth below the water's surface. In some examples, electronic devices disclosed herein include speaker transducer configurations that compensate for hydrostatic pressure, such as to permit underwater communication.

Along these lines,shows example pathways for underwater communication. As shown, multiple devices (e.g., boats, tanks, accessories, etc.) and/or users (e.g., divers) can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more communication pathways) while diving, snorkeling, swimming, etc. For example, one or more electronic devices can provide an underwater communication systemusing acoustic, radiofrequency (RF), and other components, as detailed below. The electronic device(s) can be used for notification alerts, sonar communication, etc. In such embodiments, a sonar application of the electronic device(s) can be used to transmit information to other underwater users, to equipment, to boats, to locate objects at close range (e.g., wildlife, such as sharks, spearfishing prey, coral reef fish, etc.), or the like, as detailed below. An underwater-capable speaker can be used to play alarms or alerts to notify a diver. Underwater-capable microphones or specifically tuned speaker transducers can be used to detect sonar signals from other nearby devices or emitters. RF signals can also be used for communication between devices at close range.

As shown, a first communication pathwaycan be established between a boatand a first electronic device(e.g., associated with a first diver). A second communication pathwaycan be established between the boatand a second electronic device(e.g., associated with a second diver). Additional communication pathways can be established between the boatand other divers, such as separate pathways between the boatand an electronic device associated with each diver. The first communication pathwaycan allow data or other information to be transmitted between the boatand the first electronic device. Similarly, the second communication pathwaycan allow data or other information to be transmitted between the boatand the second electronic device. Examples of data communicated over the first communication pathwayand/or the second communication pathwayinclude location information, dive statistics, timing information, alerts, equipment status, biometric data, health sensing, team monitoring, navigation, or any other information relevant to the user/diver.

With continued reference to, a third communication pathwaycan be established between the first electronic deviceand the diver's equipment (e.g., a first dive tank). Similarly, a fourth communication pathwaycan be established between the second electronic deviceand the diver's equipment (e.g., a second dive tank). The third communication pathwaycan allow equipment data or other information to be transmitted to the first electronic device. The fourth communication pathwaycan allow equipment data or other information to be transmitted to the second electronic device. Examples of data communicated over the third communication pathwayand/or the fourth communication pathwayinclude equipment status, tank pressure, etc.

As shown, additional pathways can be created for further communication. For example, a fifth communication pathwaycan be created between the first electronic deviceand the second electronic device, such as to provide communication between divers. The first dive tankcan communicate with the second electronic devicevia a sixth communication pathway, and the second dive tankcan communicate with the first electronic devicevia a seventh communication pathway. In this manner, each diver can see the equipment status or location of all divers within the group. In addition, the boat(e.g., users, trainers, or dive masters on the boat) can see the equipment status and location of all divers within the group, as well as communicate to the dive group as a whole or individually.

In this manner, the multiple devices of the underwater communication systemcan provide sensor fusion. For example, data derived from disparate devices (e.g., the first electronic device, the second electronic device, the first dive tank, the second dive tank, the boat, existing third-party sensors or modules, etc.) can be combined such that the resulting information has less uncertainty than would be possible when the devices are used individually. Additionally, or alternatively, combining data from the various devices of the underwater communication systemcan build a unified view of the underwater environment, the dive team, etc.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown incan be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in.

shows a perspective view of a wearable electronic device(e.g., first electronic device, second electronic device, etc., described above). The electronic devicecan include various features allowing land and underwater communication. As shown, the electronic devicecan include a housingand a display assembly(e.g., similar to housingand display assemblydescribed above). The electronic devicecan include a speaker system, such as coupled to or within the housing. The speaker systemcan include one or more speakers or speaker transducers, such as a first speakerand a second speaker. The first speakercan be tuned for land use or communication. For example, the first speakercan be configured to produce audible noise on land or outside of the water (e.g., to propagate sound through air), such as frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz audible to the human car.

The second speakercan be tuned for water use (i.e., to resonate a frequency underwater). For example, the second speakercan be configured to produce audible and sonar frequency noise underwater. The audible and sonar frequencies can be used to communicate information underwater, such as described above with reference to. For example, the second speakercan also be configured detect RF or sonar signals emitted from another electronic device underwater, such as described above with reference to. In embodiments, the sonar frequencies can be used to detect or otherwise locate objects (e.g., wildlife) near the electronic device.

Portions of the electronic devicecan resonate to generate noise underwater. For example, the electronic devicecan include a deformable member. The deformable membercan be a flat surface that can resonate to create sound effectively underwater. In examples, the deformable membermay be the display assembly, although other configurations are contemplated. The electronic devicecan include a transducercoupled to the deformable memberto selectively vibrate the deformable memberto generate noise. For example, the transducercan vibrate the deformable memberto create sound waves for communication (e.g., sonar sound waves, etc.). In examples, the transduceris a piezoelectric transducer, although other configurations are contemplated.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown incan be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in.

shows a schematic view of a first speaker transducerfor a wearable electronic device (e.g., any of electronic devices described above). The first speaker transducermay embody the second speakerdescribed above to produce and/or detect audible and/or sonar frequency noise underwater. As shown, the electronic device can include a housingdefining an internal volume. The first speaker transducercan be sealed to the housing. For example, one or more seals (e.g., seal) can be positioned between the housingand a chassisof the first speaker transducerto prevent water ingress to the internal volume.

The first speaker transducercan include a diaphragmconfigured to resonate at one or more frequencies underwater. For example, the diaphragmcan resonate at a sonar frequency, such as to provide or receive RF and/or sonar communication, as described above. The diaphragmcan include opposing sides, such as a first sideand a second side. The first sidemay be a wet side of the diaphragm. For example, the first sidemay be fluidly coupled to the wet environment. The second sidemay be a dry side of the diaphragm. For example, the second sidemay be sealed against water ingress. In such examples, the diaphragmcan define a seal preventing water ingress to a device interior. In this manner, water can be contained on the outside of the first speaker transduceronly.

The diaphragmcan be coupled to a suspension. The suspensioncan be flexible to allow movement of the diaphragm. The suspensioncan be robust to hold against the water pressure on the first sideof the diaphragm. For example, the suspensioncan have increased strength and/or resilience compared conventional speaker designs. For example, the suspensioncan include a stiffer shore hardness, bigger magnets, a bigger voice coil, etc. compared to conventional speaker designs. The suspensioncan seal against water ingress to the device interior. For example, the suspensioncan be coupled to the chassisto seal against water ingress to the device interior.

The first speaker transducercan include a grill. The grillcan be mounted to the chassisin a position to protect the diaphragmand/or other components of the first speaker transducer. The grillcan provide a sound characteristic for the first speaker transducer. For example, the grillcan include one or more apertures (e.g., ports, slits, etc.) to tailor the sound/noise produced by the first speaker transducer, such as tailoring the propagation direction, shape, etc. of the sound/noise produced by the first speaker transducer. In other examples, the grillcan facilitate an omnidirectional or near-omnidirectional sound/noise characteristic of the first speaker transducer.

The electronic devicecan include a pressure compensator associated with the first speaker transducerto compensate for hydrostatic pressure acting on the diaphragm. For example, the first speaker transducercan include active compensation. The active compensationcan be coupled to the diaphragmto resist water pressure applied to the diaphragm. For example, the active compensationcan be positioned on the dry side to push towards the wet side. The active compensationcan include an electromagnet configured to resist the water pressure. The electromagnet can be defined by a speaker coil or another device.

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown incan be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in.

shows a schematic view of a second exemplary speaker transducerfor a wearable electronic device (e.g., any of electronic devices described above). The second speaker transducermay embody the second speakerdescribed above to produce and/or detect audible and/or sonar frequency noise underwater. As shown, the electronic device can include a housingdefining an internal volume. The second speaker transducercan be sealed to the housing. For example, one or more seals (e.g., seal) can be positioned between the housingand a chassisof the second speaker transducerto prevent water ingress to the internal volume.

The second speaker transducercan include a diaphragmconfigured to resonate at one or more frequencies underwater. For example, the diaphragmcan resonate at a sonar frequency, such as to provide or receive RF and/or sonar communication, as described above. The diaphragmcan include opposing sides, such as a first sideand a second side. Each of the first sideand the second sidecan be a wet side of the diaphragm. For example, each of the first sideand the second sidecan be fluidly coupled to the wet environment. In such examples, an interiorof the second speaker transducermay be filled with fluid.

A pressure compensator associated with the second speaker transducermay compensate for hydrostatic pressure acting on the diaphragm. For example, the diaphragmcan include a water permeable membrane. The water permeable membranecan allow water to flow across the diaphragmto equalize pressure across the first sideand the second sideof the diaphragm, while still maintaining a watertight seal between the two sides. The water permeable membranecan define a flow rate across the opposing sides of the diaphragm. The flow rate can be tailored based on the one or more frequencies at which the diaphragmis to resonate. For example, the flow rate can be tailored for optimal acoustic performance. As one example, the water permeable membranecan limit water throughput, such that the vibrations of the diaphragmare not affected significantly. In this manner, the water permeable membranecan provide a “slow fill” characteristic to maintain or otherwise facilitate a desired frequency generation.

The second speaker transducercan include a second sealpreventing water ingress to an interior of the electronic device, such as to the internal volume. The second sealcan prevent water ingress from a wet side of the diaphragm(e.g., the second side) to the internal volume. The second sealcan be positioned between the second speaker transducerand a mounting structure of the electronic device. Additionally, or alternatively, the second sealcan be positioned between components of the second speaker transducer(e.g., between separate chassis of the second speaker transducer, between the chassisand a magnetof the second speaker transducer, etc.).

The second speaker transducercan include a grill. The grillcan be mounted to the chassisin a position to protect the diaphragmand/or other components of the second speaker transducer. The grillcan provide a sound characteristic for the second speaker transducer. For example, the grillcan include one or more apertures (e.g., ports, slits, etc.) to tailor the sound/noise produced by the second speaker transducer, such as tailoring the propagation direction, shape, etc. of the sound/noise produced by the second speaker transducer. In other examples, the grillcan facilitate an omnidirectional or near-omnidirectional sound/noise characteristic of the second speaker transducer.

Although speaker transducers are shown and described, a water-optimized microphone can be tuned to “listen” for underwater communication, such as a sonar signal from a dive tank, another diver, or an object being located. In addition, RF components, such as an antenna, can emit and detect RF signals, such as in the Ultra-Wide band range, to communicate over short distances between devices. In addition, although sonar and other frequency communication is described, the electronic devices disclosed herein can emit other frequencies for other purposes. For example, the electronic devices disclosed herein can emit frequencies to deter animal attacks or provide a siren. In addition, or alternatively, the electronic devices disclosed herein can emit an attractive signal, such as frequencies that draw in wildlife(e.g., small, colorful fish while snorkeling, etc.).

Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown incan be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in.

To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user's general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods.